MATCHLESS

500 MMC – 1903

Best-selling British pioneer

H. H. Collier founded Matchless in 1899 and initially used French De Dion-Bouton engines. Helped by his three sons, Harry, Charlie and Bert, Collier ran the factory at Plumstead, in southeast London. The brothers rode the early Matchless bikes in races and reliability trials with such success that Matchless rapidly became one of Britain's biggest manufacturers.

Steady Performer

The 500 of 1903 was one of the firm's early best-sellers. Tough and well-made, it could maintain a steady 15 to 25 mph. It was powered by an MMC engine, which was a De Dion-Bouton unit, built under license in Coventry by the Motor Manufacturing Company.

Advanced Carburetor

Like most engines of its day, it had an automatic intake valve kept shut by a weak volute spring and snapped open by the suction created in the cylinder by the descent of the piston. The advanced French Longuemare "pulverization" carburetor – which ensured proper vaporization of the gas/ air mixture – replaced the outmoded "surface" carburetor in which an extension of the exhaust pipe ran through the fuel reservoir to aid the evaporation of the volatile gasoline. Ignition was by battery and trembler coil, and, since early bikes had no dynamo, the cycle dealers and blacksmiths who functioned as service stations in those pioneering days had to keep a stock of exchange dry-cell batteries. Without a clutch or gearbox, the machine had to be pedaled to start and controlled by the exhaust lifter.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 500cc MMC air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke

Power Rating: 2.5 hp @ 1800 rpm

Valves: automatic intake, side exhaust

Fuel System: Longuemare pulverization carburetor

Transmission: direct-belt drive; no clutch

Suspension: none

Brakes: rim (front); belt rim brake controlled by back-pedaling (rear)

Wheels: 1.75x28 inch (front & rear)

Weight: 146 lb

Maximum Speed: 28 mph

Simple in the extreme, the first really successful Matchless was nevertheless a very modern design for its day.